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6th Floor Blog

About 6th Floor Blog

6th Floor Blog is written in a conversational style. It focuses on the life and adventures of six roommates living in an apartment together in Manhattan. For our first post and a explanation for the colors, go here.

“Smallpox blankets maybe? I could go off about how we shouldn’t be celebrating a guy like Columbus, but then again, It’s hard to argue with donuts.” Frank says.

“Well, It’s not like our other holidays are oh so pristine.” Sara says.

“You could probably make a case for why those holidays shouldn’t be celebrated either.” Frank responds.

“We could just become Jehovah’s Witnesses and celebrate nothing..” Tabitha says.

“Life is full of horribleness. Columbus, Thanksgiving, etc. July 4th is basically the celebration of war and treason is it not? But good things came from all of it, and that’s what I’m celebrating.” Billy says.

“Like it or not, our lives are the way they are because of what Columbus did. It’s similar to the idea that you can’t/shouldn’t actually go back in time and kill Hitler.”

“That’s just tv stuff. Not real.” Frank says.

“Because time travel is real anyway? I’m not arguing that we should ignore the horrible things Columbus did, or the horrible way the natives were treated, or that school programs shouldn’t be altered, but Columbus setting sail in 1492 was the start of a series of events that led to the creation of America, New York, and this apartment that we’re standing in.” Sara says.

“Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.” Tabitha quotes.

“There is a difference between celebration and remembrance though.” Frank says.

“Does anyone really ‘celebrate’ Columbus Day? Most people just enjoy the day off. It could be for any other reason and it wouldn’t change anything for most.” Sara says.

“Not celebrating would be worse. It would be forgotten and glossed over.” Billy comments.

“Do we have to call it ‘Columbus Day’ like he’s some sacred hero?” Frank asks.

“Probably not. But people don’t do change well. Things stick. Tradition. It’s the same way with Thanksgiving, which basically has the same cultural negatives to it, but we still get together with family, and celebrate life. As much as you can say ‘we should do that all the time’, it wouldn’t happen that way without the holiday. Or Christmas. I know more people that celebrate Christmas without once thinking of Jesus than celebrate it with religiously.” Sara says.

“I guess as long as people continue to be educated about the truth and not think this was all lollipops and roses. I still think Columbus’ name should be left out of it. Macy’s can advertise just as well with a different holiday name.” Frank says.

“What bridge do you take to get to the beer garden in Astoria Frank?” Tabitha asks.

“The Triboro. Why?” Frank asks, puzzled.

“Wrong. It’s the RFK bridge. People don’t adjust to change well. Some people still call the Jackie Robinson Parkway the Interboro, and that’s been like that for a long long time. But just because we’re using an archaic name, doesn’t mean we can’t fully understand or talk about the bad things associated with Columbus.” Tabitha says.

Frank laughs. “Well, you got me there.”

“Enough social studies. Let’s have a donut and watch some hockey.” Billy says, flipping on the Islanders game.

It’s Friday night and Sara Is sitting at the table with a beer and a book of second degree black belt level Sodoku when Ann and Frank come home.

“Hey guys, where were you tonight?”

“We went to the Rock.”

“The Rock?”

“Yup. You know, the Prudential Center.”

“You went to Newark? Eww..”

“Devils opening night! Hockey Hockey Hockey!”

“Ahh..I almost turned the Rays/Sox game on, but then I didn’t.”

“Islanders put on a poor show sadly. They really could use a shooter.”

“Devils Win! They even looked a little rusty too. The whole game was a little bit sloppy.”

“I don’t know why DiPietro didn’t start.”

“Me neither. That arena is very nice though.”

“Oh yeah? I’d heard it was a nice place. Better than the Garden?”

“Hell yeah..The Garden’s not exactly top of the line you know.”

“And neither are the Rangers!”

“Hey now!”

“And neither are the Knicks!”

“Better. Did you know the Knicks are actually named for beer?”

“Really? I might have to like them a little more now.”

“Yeah, the Rock was great. It was wide open and pretty spacious. Had some decent food. The only drawback is it’s Newark. And the Devils.”

“Beer selections not bad, though they might play off the building being called “The Rock” a bit too much. There was a beer stand that sold only Rolling Rock, and Michelob Amber Bock, and said ‘Rock the Bock’.”

“Glad you guys had fun. Maybe I’ll come with you if you go again. I haven’t been to a hockey game in a while.”

“Sure, we were thinking about going the next time the Islanders go there.”

“Yeah, me too.I’m all for full disclosure, but I’d like to have an actual game to watch and discuss, not just allegations of cheating and who’s talking to who about acquiring who.”

“I’m surprised they don’t have a live blog and webcam on Johan Santana’s agent and the Twins GM.Those two must be wearing out the phone lines.If you’re having trouble placing a call in Minnesota, it’s probably because those two are on the phone.”

“No kidding.Islanders are on tonight, sans Simon.I may watch.”

“I’d lounge and watch sports.I think Ann’s going to be baking cookies, so we can ‘test’ them as she works.”

“Cookies!We should all go see a movie tomorrow night.Might be our last chance to watch a movie together this year.”

“That sounds good.Yeah, I think Tabitha’s actually going to be with her family for most of the time from Christmas to New Years. What should we see?I Am Legend?”

“How about Alvin and the Chipmunks?”

“Eh.There’s National Treasure: Book of Secrets.”

“I’d see that, but I don’t think Scott will.He was ranting about them making a sequel to that movie when we went to see the Golden Compass.I’m not sure what he has against it.”

“What’s left? Sweeney Todd?I don’t really know what it’s about, but it’s supposed to be good or something.Johnny Depp.Directed by Tim Burton.”

“I don’t always trust it when people say it’s supposed to be good.I’d see it though, but I don’t think it comes out until Friday. “

“There are a couple of midnight showings tomorrow.We could see it then.”

“Midnight? Bleh..I have to..oh wait! I’m off Friday!I’d do that then.We’d have to check with everyone else then though.”

“Sounds like a plan.Hey, it’s almost seven.Let’s get that ice-game going.”

Ann is making a pot of tomato sauce for dinner, and Tabitha is nearby, studying for a test.

“Going home again this year Tabitha? Got a big meal planned?”

“Actually, I’m staying here. I know it’s not that much money on Metro North, but I was just home last weekend and my mother rarely remembers that I’m a vegetarian and makes almost all the food with chicken broth or meat of some kind.”